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Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Grow Nematanthus gregarius—the goldfish plant—in bright, filtered light, peat-free potting compost, and warm conditions. Keep the compost moist but well drained, water with soft water, and protect the plant from temperatures below 50°F (10°C). Its trailing stems suit a hanging basket, and pinching young shoot tips can encourage a bushier shape.
Which plant is called a goldfish plant?
This guide is about Nematanthus gregarius, a trailing, evergreen tropical perennial or sub-shrub native to Brazil. North Carolina State University Extension (NCSU) and the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) use goldfish plant for this species. The RHS also calls it clog plant; NCSU lists Hypocyrta as another common name. Since common names can be used inconsistently, check the botanical name when buying a plant.
Where should you place a goldfish plant?
Choose a bright spot with filtered light rather than prolonged direct sun. NCSU suggests a south-facing window if the light is filtered; the RHS recommends partial shade and lists east- or west-facing aspects. These are placement guides, not measured indoor light levels, so avoid assuming that one particular window orientation will suit every home.
What compost and water does it need?
Use peat-free potting compost. The RHS describes the preferred conditions as moist but well drained, and both NCSU and the RHS recommend soft water. In practice, check the compost and pot drainage rather than following a fixed watering calendar: the institutional profiles do not specify a watering interval.
#1 Best Overall
- The goldfish plant (Nematanthus gregarious) earned its name because of the masses of red-orange flowers that appear in the spring and summer and look a bit like leaping goldfish
- Light: Medium to bright indirect light. Medium indirect light supports the plant
- Water: Spring through fall, water thoroughly and allow the top 2 inches (5 cm) to dry out between waterings. Water less often in winter, but don't dry it out completely.
- Climate: Maintain an optimal climate of 65-85 degrees
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How warm should a goldfish plant stay?
Protect it from cold. NCSU says the plant cannot tolerate temperatures below 50°F (10°C). The RHS gives it a UK H1A hardiness rating, which means under glass all year at temperatures above 15°C. These recommendations come from different regional horticultural references; neither supports treating the plant as frost-hardy or leaving it exposed to cold outdoors.
How can you shape and display it?
The stems have a creeping, trailing habit, so a hanging basket is one suitable display option; a container also works. The RHS says routine pruning is not required, but pinching the tips of young shoots encourages branching. Its listed mature size is 0.1–0.5 m tall with a spread of 0.5–1 m, reaching maturity in 2–5 years; these are RHS profile estimates, not guaranteed dimensions for every indoor plant.
Rank #2
- Unique Flowers: The Black Goldfish Plant (Columnea gloriosa) is famous for its distinctive goldfish-shaped flowers, which feature a striking combination of black and orange colors, adding a whimsical touch to any space.
- Trailing Growth Habit: This plant is a trailing vine that thrives in hanging baskets or containers, allowing its lush foliage and vibrant flowers to cascade elegantly.
- Humidity Lover: Native to tropical regions, the Black Goldfish Plant requires high humidity to thrive, making it an ideal choice for bathrooms, kitchens, or terrariums.
- Enhance Your Environment
- Bright, Indirect Light: It grows best in bright, indirect light and needs well-draining, slightly acidic soil. Regular watering is necessary, but the plant should never be left sitting in water to avoid root rot.
How do you propagate a goldfish plant?
The RHS recommends taking softwood stem-tip cuttings in spring. NCSU also lists stem or root cuttings as propagation methods. The consulted institutional profiles do not specify a rooting medium, humidity setup, or time to root, so those details should not be treated as established here.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How do you encourage flowering, and what pests should you watch for?
The institutional profiles describe the plant as flowering in summer, but they do not provide a specific bloom-induction method. They also identify aphids as a pest concern; the RHS particularly notes young growth. Inspect new shoots for aphids. The cited profiles do not set out a treatment protocol.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- 6" Hanging pot displays great Indoors and Outdoors
- Easy to care for & Drought Resistant
- Beautiful red Orange Flowers blooms in the Spring and Summer
- The flowers of goldfish plant resemble a goldfish
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